Yellowtail snappers live throughout the Atlantic Ocean. They are an excellent sport fish that aren’t very picky about what they’ll bite on. Anglers usually catch them by bottom fishing, chumming, drift fishing, fly fishing, night fishing, saltwater jigging, and still fishing.
Habitat: Bay, Ocean
How to identify Yellowtail Snapper
The vivid colors of the yellowtail snapper make it easy to identify. They have a bright yellow stripe running from snout to tail that stands out against the dark green coloring on its body. Yellowtail snappers get their name from their bright yellow tails and a dorsal fins. Although they don’t generally weigh more than five pounds, they can grow up to 30 inches long. At about 10-12 inches, they reach sexual maturity. The lifespan of this species ranges from six to 14 years. Their mouths are full of tightly spaced teeth, including a few canines.
Where to catch Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail snappers are present in the Atlantic Ocean. They can be found in Bermuda, Massachusetts, Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Brazil. They tend to stay along the coasts in waters up to 300 feet deep, especially around coral reefs. They’ll often join disjointed schools, though they may also remain alone.
The following are habitats where you can catch Yellowtail Snapper:
How to catch Yellowtail Snapper
Anglers consider yellowtail snappers to be an outstanding sport fish. The best way to catch them is using anchored boats and chumming to get them to come closer. Bottom fishing is another method that works well. Other anglers have success with trolling and drift fishing. These fish aren’t especially picky about the bait or lure they’ll bite on, but they do spook easily. Look for them near structures, especially during the hot summer months.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Yellowtail Snapper:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail snappers can be caught using large ballyhoo, pilchards, or other fish. They can also be caught with lures.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Yellowtail Snapper:
